International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerating Action for Generational Change in the Equine Industry
International Women’s Day (IWD), marked annually on March 8th, is a global call to celebrate women’s achievements and push for gender equality. It is a day when organisations, governments, and individuals come together to acknowledge progress and commit to the work that remains. But at Equitas, we believe change does not happen in a single day. Real transformation requires continuous action, conversation, and commitment.
The equestrian world, like many industries, has been shaped by history, tradition, and often, inequality. Women have long played a vital role in equestrian sport and business, yet their contributions have not always been recognised or valued equally. While International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of what we are striving for, the Equitas community knows that the fight for fairness does not begin and end on March 8th. It is a daily effort—one that will shape the future for generations to come.
Why International Women’s Day 2025 Matters
IWD is not just a celebration; it is a catalyst for change. It sheds light on the systemic barriers women face across industries and cultures, from gender pay gaps to lack of leadership opportunities. In the equestrian world, these challenges present in many forms—whether it is unequal sponsorship deals, fewer media opportunities for female athletes, or the difficulty of balancing a career in horses with personal responsibilities.
The theme for IWD 2025, “Accelerate Action,” underscores the urgency of advancing gender parity, with current projections indicating that, at the existing pace, full equality may not be achieved until 2158. This theme calls for immediate and decisive measures to address systemic barriers hindering women's progress across various sectors, including the equine industry.
However, the reality is that while IWD sparks important conversations, these discussions often lose momentum once the day has passed. This is where Equitas stands apart.
A Commitment Beyond One Day
At Equitas, we are not interested in token gestures or one-day campaigns. Our commitment to women in the equine world is 365 days a year. We are not just highlighting the issues—we are actively working to change them.
Through our global network, we create opportunities for women to be seen, heard, and supported. Whether it is giving a platform to young riders, championing female-led businesses, or tackling the difficult conversations around mental health, Equitas ensures that women in the equestrian industry have a voice.
More importantly, we are investing in real change—one that will outlast the current generation. By addressing inequalities now, we ensure that the young girls in today’s riding schools, pony clubs, and yards will not have to fight the same battles in 20 years.
The Role of the Equitas Community in Shaping the Future
Change is not something that happens in isolation. It takes a community—a collective effort of individuals who refuse to accept the status quo. Every woman who shares her story, every supporter who amplifies the message, every rider who refuses to be held back by outdated expectations is part of this movement.
The Equitas community is built on action. We believe in:
- Visibility – Elevating the profiles of women in the industry so their successes are recognised and rewarded.
- Opportunity – Creating pathways for women in sport, business, and media to advance without barriers.
- Support – Providing resources and networks that empower women to push forward, even in the face of challenges.
- Representation – Ensuring that decisions affecting the equestrian world include the voices of women at every level.
Accelerating Action: Steps for Real Change
To effect generational change within the equine industry, the Equitas community can implement several key strategies:
- Enhancing Visibility and Representation: Promoting women's achievements and ensuring their representation in decision-making roles can challenge existing stereotypes and inspire future generations.
- Providing Education and Training: Offering targeted educational programmes and workshops can equip women with the skills necessary to excel in various facets of the equine industry.
- Establishing Mentorship Networks: Creating mentorship opportunities connects emerging female professionals with experienced industry leaders, fostering a culture of continuous learning and empowerment.
- Advocating for Policy Reforms: Engaging with industry stakeholders to promote policies that ensure equitable treatment, fair compensation, and safe working environments is crucial.
- Facilitating Research and Data Collection: Conducting research to understand the specific challenges women face in the equine industry can inform the development of targeted interventions.
What Comes Next?
Generational change starts with conversations, but it must be backed by commitment and action. As we mark International Women’s Day, let it not be the end of the conversation, but a renewed commitment to shaping the future.
Women in the equestrian world have already proven their talent, resilience, and passion. Now, it is time to ensure they receive the same opportunities, recognition, and support as their male counterparts.
At Equitas, we do not wait for permission to create change. We lead it. And we invite every rider, trainer, business owner, journalist, and supporter to join us—not just on March 8th, but every day. Because equality is not a one-day event. It is a movement.
